Chlamydia infections in women

Definition

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This means chlamydia is passed from one person to another during sexual contact.

Alternative Names

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Both males and females may have chlamydia without having any symptoms. As a result, you may become infected or pass the infection to your partner without knowing it.

Signs and tests

If you have symptoms of a chlamydia infection, your health care provider will collect a culture or perform a test called a PCR:

The culture will be collected during a pelvic exam.

Results will take 1 - 2 days to come back.

Your health care provider may also check you for other types of infections, such as gonorrhea.

Even if you have no symptoms, you may need a chlamydia test if you:

Are 25 years old or younger and are sexually active (get tested every year)

Have a new sexual partner or more than one partner

Treatment

Chlamydia can be treated with the antibiotics azithromycin, tetracyclines, quinolones, or erythromycin. Erythromycin and azithromycin are safe if you are pregnant. You and your partner should finish all of your antibiotics, even if you feel better. Common side effects of these antibiotics include nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

All of your sexual partners must be treated, even if they do not have symptoms. This will prevent you from passing the infection back and forth.

Because gonorrhea often occurs with chlamydia, treatment for gonorrhea is often given at the same time.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

Antibiotic treatment almost always works if you and your partner take the medicines as directed.

If chlamydia spreads into your uterus, it can cause scarring and make it harder for you to get pregnant. You can help prevent this by:

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